I'm writing in reference to my daughter, who is entering her last year at secondary school next year.

I'm writing in reference to my daughter, who is entering her last year at secondary school next year. You did mention one of your success stories was motivating a student to achieve her best in her final year....... and while she is a good and responsible teenager and a lot of fun to be with......... she has not had a good year academically this year and I think this has dented her confidence and given her a negative attitude to her studies. Any suggestions for motivation?

Thank you for your e-mail. Many, many people have identical issues as your daughter and will never get their motivation from a book at this stage in their lives.

I note what you've said and am familiar with the issues you speak about. I really think that motivation is a matter of being able to motivate yourself. Actually, nobody can motivate you for more than a few days. If you do it yourself it will last. Of course sometimes something inspirational to an individual can spark that motivation - to this end I would ask you to show your daughter my website www.calm.com.au and go to the links on the left hand side whereby she can read the stories of some people who have succeeded in the area of learning, study and self confidence. Talk to her about her goal. It really is working towards the goal that will provide the motivation.